Dubai Police took action against 90 e-scooter riders at Kite Beach after they were caught performing dangerous stunts, posing risks to themselves, pedestrians, and public safety in the busy beach area.
New Year’s Eve 2026: RTA could shut Dubai Mall Metro Station early; select pedestrian bridges to close
Dubai authorities have unveiled an extensive traffic control and public transport strategy for the New Year’s Eve festivities near Burj Khalifa, as massive crowds are expected to gather in Downtown Dubai to welcome 2026.
The New Year celebrations at the world’s tallest tower rank among the biggest globally, attracting visitors for the fireworks and light-and-laser displays. To manage crowd movement and maintain safety, roads leading into the Burj Khalifa district will be shut in stages starting from 4pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. These restrictions will stay in effect until the early hours of Thursday, January 1, 2026. Officials have urged residents and visitors to rely on public transport and avoid driving into the area.
Entry to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station will be suspended from 5pm, or earlier if passenger capacity limits are reached. Those attending the celebrations are encouraged to disembark at nearby stations and walk to Downtown Dubai when possible. Financial Centre and Business Bay Metro Stations are the closest alternatives on either side of Dubai Mall Station.
To cope with the anticipated rise in passenger numbers, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will operate both the Red and Green Metro lines nonstop for 43 consecutive hours. Services will begin at 5am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and continue uninterrupted until 11.59pm on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Dubai Tram services will also run continuously, starting at 6am on December 31 and operating through to 1am on Friday, January 2, 2026, offering another 43-hour stretch of uninterrupted travel.
For commuters driving to metro stations, several locations with parking facilities have been recommended. These include Centrepoint Station, e& Station, National Paints Station in Jebel Ali, and Jumeirah Golf Estates Station. Passengers are also reminded to check and top up their Nol card balance before travelling.
In addition, all pedestrian bridges and elevators crossing Dubai Creek will be closed from 4pm onwards as part of crowd and traffic management measures.
The closures include the Dubai Creek Harbour Pedestrian Bridge, which links the mainland to Creek Beach via its distinctive double-deck design; the Infinity Bridge, opened in 2022 with dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists connecting Al Shindagha and Al Ras; and the Shindagha Pedestrian Tunnel, a long-established underwater passage between Deira and Bur Dubai.
Authorities also confirmed that additional police patrols, traffic officers and crowd control teams will be deployed across Downtown Dubai and surrounding districts throughout the night. These teams will manage pedestrian movement, assist commuters and respond quickly to any emergencies. Digital signboards and real-time traffic updates will guide motorists away from restricted zones, while volunteers will help direct pedestrians toward safe walking routes. Officials advised attendees to arrive early, follow instructions from on-ground staff and remain patient during peak exit times, when congestion is expected to be highest.
Residents living near the celebration zones have been advised to plan their movements in advance and anticipate temporary access restrictions to certain buildings and parking areas. Authorities highlighted that safety remains the top priority, particularly with families and children expected to be among the crowds. Visitors are encouraged to stay hydrated, wear comfortable footwear and keep emergency contact numbers handy. By following official guidance and using public transport, officials said the public can help ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve experience for everyone.
